The first production Ford Model T leaves the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Mich. It was the first car ever manufactured on an assembly line, with interchangeable parts. The auto industry was to become a major U.S. employer, accounting for as many as one of every eight to 10 jobs in the country .- Union Communication Services

Members who transport newly manufactured cars and trucks for carhaul companies Cassens Transport, Annapolis Junction Rail and Jack Cooper Transport on Sunday reviewed and approved the latest tentative agreement (TA) recently endorsed by the carhaul union leaders from around the country. Members have twice rejected the tentative agreement.

“This is the best contract I’ve seen in a long time,” said shop steward Mark Atkins (above right, facing camera) following the meeting. “All the provisions we didn’t like are gone.”

Members will vote on the latest National Master Automobile Transporters Agreement in a mail ballot referendum. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed out to members on or about March 10 and are tentatively scheduled to be counted March 30. The tentative agreement is from September 1, 2015, until May 31, 2021.

In addition to protecting benefits and job security, wages, grievance procedures, and safety and health were top issues.

Vice President and carhaul Business Agent Bill Alexander said the tentative agreement is “the richest contract ever negotiated in such competitive times.”